SHANNON'S LAW By Emma Calin ~ Goddess Fish Launch Day Blog Tour ~ Giveaway

SHANNON'S LAW

By Emma Calin

Emma will be awarding a Shannon's Law Launch Day Swag Bag to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour and a $30 Amazon voucher will be awarded to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Also, a print copy of Shannon's Law will be awarded to three (3) randomly drawn commenters and a digital copy of Shannon's Law will be awarded to five (5) randomly drawn commenter during the tour. ALL ENTRANTS get emailed a digital cookery book of recipes (including photos!) for meals/food eaten in Shannon's Law. The book is called 'Cops Cuisine'. 

Please be sure to use the RaffleCopter below to enter the contest. To increase your changes of winning visit the other tour locations. You may find those locations here...  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2014/01/virtual-launch-day-book-blast-tour.html

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BLURB:  

Wild child inner city cop Shannon Aguerri walks a dangerous line between her methods and justice. When the bosses lose their nerve, after yet another maverick mission, she is transferred to green pastures to play out the role of a routine village cop. When she encounters signs of people and drug trafficking she homes in on serious millionaire criminals.  As a loner she has attracted men but nothing has stuck. When she meets Spencer, the hunky and widowed Earl of Bloxington, there is an immediate rapport between them. Their social differences mean nothing to their passion and need.  Already in the mix is an upper class female rival – who has long plotted her way into the Earl's bed. The jealousy is an evil shade of green and the anger is a violent scarlet.  Often inhibited by a sense of duty and honour, Spencer is slow to reveal his feelings. When Shannon confronts him with the need to choose between her word and that of her rival, he does not immediately support her. All the same, when they are forced together to carry out a desperate rescue mission, their love is stronger than everything ranged against them.

Author's note: This book is quite 'strongly flavoured' and features uninhibited, but straightforward steamy sexual scenes between consenting adults and true-to-life street language that would occur in high-stress situations.

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 AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Emma Calin was born in London in 1962. She currently lives in France and the UK.

She has been writing since childhood and has won numerous local, national and international prizes for poetry and short stories.

"Knockout!" is the first of the “Passion Patrol Series” a stand-alone love story set against a backdrop of international gambling corruption and deception. Interpol cop Anna Leyton finds herself torn between love and duty when her professional and private life intersects.  This book is now available in both paperback and Kindle formats.

“The Love in a Hopeless Place Collection” is a bargain anthology of 5 short stories and novelettes, available in paperback and digital formats.

"Sub-Prime" is a prize-winning hard hitting short story about courage, exploitation and love. It is a raw and brutal exposé of life at the bottom in the aftermath of recession.

"The Chosen" is also a short story,  set in modern times where working people struggle to keep their dreams alive. A world where the promise of love motivates desperate measures.

“Escape To Love” is a 'novelette' (longer than a short story but shorter than a novella), a gritty urban romance with suspense and mystery but a love story at it's core. 

“Angela” a short story about a late-night taxi journey.

“Love in a Hopeless Place” a novelette about a middle-aged woman striving to find her true identity.

Amazon links to books by Emma Calin

Shannon’s Law USA  Shannon's Law UK

(Pre-order paperback only at this stage)

Knockout! (Passion Patrol Series)

The Love in a Hopeless Place Collection

Sub-Prime

The Chosen

Escape To Love

Angela

Love in a Hopeless Place

 About.me page: http://about.me/emmacalin

Emma Calin Blog: http://www.emmacalin.blogspot.com

Emma Calin Website:  http://www.emmacalin.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/emma.calin

and book page: http://www.facebook.com/ShannonsLaw

Twitter:https://twitter.com/EmmaCalin
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/emmacalin/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4915751.Emma_Calin

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fathoms of Forgiveness By Nadia Scrieva ~ Goddess Fish Book Blast ~ Giveaway

Fathoms of Forgiveness

By Nadia Scrieva

Nadia will be awarding the box set of Sacred Breath Series or the box set of Thirty Minutes to Heartbreak (winner's choice)to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Please be sure to leave a comment below along with your email address in case you are the lucky winner. Also to increase your chances please visit the other tour stops. You may find those locations here.... http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2014/02/book-blast-fathoms-of-forgiveness-by.html
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BLURB:   

Meet the brave and fearless Visola; a woman unlike any you've ever encountered. Her wit and humor take her through the darkest of dangers with a smile always on her face--and her smile only grows larger as the odds become more impossible. With no concern for her own safety, Visola dives headfirst into the throes of battle to protect the people and country she loves, even if it means facing her worst enemy--the one man who can get inside her head and break her down like no other: her own husband...   





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EXCERPT:

When Aazuria entered the room, her eyes were immediately drawn to Visola’s wild red hair, which had recently been a lustrous mass of audacious curls. Now, her hair was limp. It hung against her head flat, frizzy and defeated. Aazuria’s eyes darted to the warrior’s sunken cheekbones and gaunt face. She saw the bruises on Visola’s neck before her eyes traveled further to the withered, wasted limbs. Every visible part of her friend’s body was covered in fresh scars. She saw the bandaged hands. Visola had been starved and tortured. 

Perhaps in these modern times, even under the surface of the sea, kings, queens, and the aristocracy had close to zero significance. Perhaps the words and decrees which left Aazuria’s mouth would have minimal consequences. No one in the throne room felt this way as they awaited Aazuria’s judgment with bated breath. Sionna was standing aside, with her arms crossed. The newly-crowned queen gripped her husband’s sword tightly in her fist as Trevain and Elandria entered the room behind her. 

Aazuria shifted her eyes to the man standing beside her friend. Her face was expressionless.

“Approach me, Vachlan,” she whispered. 

The man began walking toward her. Although his stride was dignified, there was hesitation on his face. Visola began speaking, pleading words which Aazuria could not hear over the sound of her heart pounding in her ears. 

When Vachlan was close enough to strike, Aazuria gazed at him with death in her eyes.

“Kneel,” she commanded him. Her chest was rising and falling perceptibly. 

Vachlan knew that this would be a very unwise thing to do, but he owed it to Aazuria. He owed it to Visola, and to Adlivun—the nation he had once called home.  He lowered his head and dropped to one knee before the queen, saluting her across his chest. His eyes were level with the sword she held, and he could see the veins bulging through her translucent pale skin from how tightly she clutched it.

“It would be futile to order you punished,” she said slowly. “No one can even attempt to hurt you as much as you have hurt her.”

“I know,” he answered quietly.

“But it is my duty to try.” 

She struck out with her sword, slicing the air until the blade collided with his face, knocking Vachlan off his knees and onto the floor. Aazuria could vaguely hear Visola screaming for her to stop, but she was already standing over Vachlan and forcing the tip of her sword between his teeth. Her previous strike had resulted in a huge bleeding gash along the side of his handsome face, but it had not been enough to kill him. She was poised to finish the job. 

Vachlan moved his tongue against the steel, tasting the freshly-sharpened metal edge garnished with the metallic taste of his own blood. It is rare that the wine so perfectly accompanies the main dish, he thought as he swallowed the coppery fluid accumulating in his mouth. Kind of like a German Pinot Noir. He looked into the azure eyes of Adlivun’s queen and realized that this was no longer the innocent, charitable philanthropist he had known hundreds of years ago. She was hard. He wondered what percentage of the tempered rage behind her eyes he was responsible for generating.

“One reason.” Aazuria was demanding. “Give me one convincing reason that I should not thrust my blade directly through your skull.” 


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AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Nadia Scrieva lives in Toronto, Canada with no husband, no kids, and no pets. She does own a very attractive houseplant which she occasionally remembers to water between her all-consuming writing marathons.



Contact Information
Website: www.NadiaScrieva.com 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NadiaFans 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NadiaScrieva 
Blog: http://nadiascrieva.blogspot.ca/ 



Fathoms of Forgiveness

Purchase Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007KWTTXK/
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fathoms-of-forgiveness-nadia-scrieva/1109848141?ean=2940044959552&itm=1 
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/fathoms-of-forgiveness/id562783450?mt=11
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/235351
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Nadia_Scrieva_Fathoms_of_Forgiveness?id=TgdSAgAAQBAJ 

COMPROMISING WILLA by Diana Quincy ~ Blog Tour ~ Giveaway ~ Top 10 Guest Post

COMPROMISING WILLA

 By Diana Quincy

Giveaway Details:
1 Paperback of Tempting Bella, 1 tin of Compromising Willa Custom Tea, and a $10 Starbucks Gift Card! US Only.
3 eBooks of Compromising Willa International
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Blog Post: Top 10 Favorite Heroes in Historical Romance

A romance novel is nothing without a compelling hero who draws us in and make us want to visit with him for a while. Romance heroes can be tough, masculine and take-charge, or quiet and more laidback, something like Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. For me, the sexiest hero also has a flaw, which adds dimension to his personality. Whether a hero is an alpha or a beta, one characteristic every romance novel leading man has in common is a complete and total devotion to the heroine. That’s what ultimately makes us fall in love with him right along with the heroine, which I have certainly done with the ten unforgettable heroes below.


Diana Quincy’s Top 10 Favorite Heroes in Historical Romance

Derek Craven (Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas) The tough but tender hero who rises from the gutter to become owner of a gaming hell and one of the richest men in England.

Cam Rohan  (Mine Until Midnight by Lisa Kleypas) A mysterious half-gypsy becomes the unlikely patriarch of the unruly Hathaways.

Adrian Hawkhurst aka Hawker (The Black Hawk by Joanna Bourne) A thief and pickpocket turned master spy who meets his match in fellow spy Justine. The first time they make love is one of romance’s most memorable scenes.

Lucien de Vaux (An Unwilling Bride by Jo Beverley) The arrogant ducal heir learns he is a bastard and overcomes his anger to court his unwilling bride with genuine kindness and decency.

Ismael, Comte D'Esmond  (Captives of the Night by Loretta Chase) A suave and completely unique hero, Esmond skates on the edges of darkness, which adds to his allure.

Adam Kent (The Secret Pearl by Mary Balogh) Although the book begins with Adam, the Duke of Ridgway, hiring a prostitute (who turns out to be the heroine), we soon learn he is a decent and caring man trapped in a loveless marriage.

Alexander Moncrieffe (What I Did for a Duke by Julie Anne Long)  The Duke of Falconbridge has a reputation for being cold and ruthless. Watching him warm up to his enemy’s sister, Genevieve, who yearns for another man, makes for a most entertaining entanglement.

Michael Stirling (When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn) The long-suffering Earl of Kilmartin must hide his love for his cousin’s wife and becomes her best friend instead. When her husband dies, Michael inherits the title and must confront his strong feelings for the widow.

Kyle Bradwell  (Secrets of Surrender by Madeline Hunter)  A coal miner’s son turned architect, Bradwell rescues the heroine from complete humiliation after her protector sells her to the highest bidder at a house party.

Camden Saybrook (Private Arrangements by Sherry Thomas) Sexy Lord Tremaine is kind, compassionate and desperately in love with his estranged wife, who wants to divorce him and marry another man.

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About the Book:

England, 1805

Lady Wilhelmina Stanhope is ruined and everyone knows it. Back in Town for the first season since her downfall, Willa plans to remain firmly on the shelf, assuming only fortune hunters will want her now. Instead she focuses on her unique tea blends, secretly supporting a coffee house which employs poor women and children. If her clandestine involvement in trade is discovered, she'll be ruined. Again.

No one is more shocked by Willa's lack of quality suitors than the newly minted Duke of Hartwell. Having just returned from India, the dark duke is instantly attracted to the mysterious wallflower. His pursuit is hampered by the ruthless Earl of Bellingham, who once jilted Willa and is now determined to reclaim her.

Caught between the clash of two powerful men, a furious Willa refuses to concede her independence to save her reputation. But will she compromise her heart?

EBook: 267 pages
Release Date: December 9, 2013
ISBN: 978-1622664146
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

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Excerpt:

Willa did not appear surprised to find herself sitting next to Hartwell at supper. Nor did she seem to mind.

“I find I have the best seat at the table,” he said as they took their places.

“Are you certain the air won’t be too brisk for you?”

He grinned. “Why Lady Wilhelmina, in your own Arctic way, I do believe you are flirting with me.”

“You are our guest,” she answered in smooth tones. “Pray don’t mistake polite discourse for something that it is not.”

“Ouch.” He touched his heart in dramatic fashion. Sitting next to her, he’d have no need of dessert. She was like a Gunter’s lemon ice—tangy, tart, and delectably frosty.

She curved those pillowed lips into a smile, a reluctant one, but he still counted that a victory. “Surely you are not so easily wounded, Your Grace.”

“Actually, as a second son, I have heard far worse. One is not as popular when he is not in line to inherit a dukedom, or at least a vast fortune. As fate would have it, I am now in possession of both.”

“Clearly modesty is not something you are in possession of.”

Hart gave a mischievous smile. “Usually a title and deep pockets are sufficient to attract the attention of a lovely creature such as yourself.” He sipped his wine. “Otherwise, I shall have to win you over with my equally deep reservoirs of charm and good looks.”

Her closed mouth wobbled with laughter until she managed to wrangle it into submission. “I should like to know when you decide to begin employing those qualities.”

Hart shot her a surprised look. She was teasing him again. Promising. He softened his tone. “Oh, believe me, my lady, I intend to make you well aware of my charms.”

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About Diana:

Diana Quincy is an award-winning former television journalist who decided she'd rather make up stories where a happy ending is always guaranteed.

Fans of Madeline Hunter, Lisa Kleypas and Sabrina Jeffries will love her Regency world of dashing dukes, irresistible rogues and the headstrong, determined women who capture their hearts. New York Times bestselling author Grace Burrowes says SEDUCING CHARLOTTE is "Sweet, steamy, and thoroughly enjoyable...Equal parts action, passion and fun."

Growing up as a foreign service brat, Diana lived in many countries and is now settled in Virginia with her husband and two sons. When not bent over her laptop or trying to keep up with laundry, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family and dreams of traveling much more than her current schedule (and budget) allows. Diana loves to hear from readers. You can follow her on Twitter @Diana_Quincy or visit her website at www.dianaquincy.com

To learn more about Diana's upcoming books and for sneak previews and other special exclusive giveaways, please consider signing up for her quarterly newsletters at www.dianaquincy.com. Diana understands your information is private and promises NEVER to share it with anyone.
Website/Blog/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads/Pinterest


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Tour Schedule

Week One:
2/17/2014-Michelle Chew Writes- Review
2/17/2014- Simply Ali- Scavenger Hunt
2/18/2014- Bookworm Blurbs- Review
2/18/2014- herding cats & burning soup - Interview
2/19/2014- Margay Leah Justice - Review
2/19/2014- Curling Up With A Good Book- Scavenger Hunt
2/20/2014- Ramblings From This Chick- Review
2/20/2014- Sapphyria's Book Reviews- Guest Post (Top 10's)
2/21/2014- BookGroupies- Review
2/21/2014- Romantic Reads and Such- Scavenger Hunt

Week Two:
2/24/2014- Always Reiding- Review
2/24/2014- Fade Into Fantasy- Scavenger Hunt
2/25/2014- The Gal in the Blue Mask- Review
2/25/2014- Fab Fantasy Fiction- Interview
2/26/2014- What I'm Reading- Review
2/26/2014- Ex Libris- Scavenger Hunt
2/27/2014- Becky on Books- Review
2/27/2014- Reviews by Crystal- Guest Post (Top 10's)
2/28/2014- The La La Land of Books- Review
2/28/2014- Talking Books Blog- Scavenger Hunt

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Her Sister's Wedding by Jane Ainslie ~ Bridging the Gap Blog Tour ~ Review ~

Her Sister’s Wedding

By Jane Ainslie

A Sweet Contemporary Foodie Romance (Chicklit)

Giveaway:

Jane Ainslie is giving away…  

1 ecopy of HER SISTER’S WEDDING

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BLURB FOR HER SISTER’S WEDDING:

What happens when you meet the right person at the wrong time? 

Melbourne-based food journalist Mandy Evans has Paris firmly in her sights. She’s got a chance at her life-long dream of studying art in the City of Love, but not before she has to be a ring-in bridesmaid at her sister’s wedding.

After setting up his latest restaurant in Melbourne, renowned American chef Jake Pearson is leaving for his next project in Miami. He’s the hottest ticket in anyone’s town, with a burning ambition to conquer the world, but not before he’s best man at his friend’s wedding.

When Mandy and Jake meet, the attraction is instant. He loves her sassy, natural style, and her appetite for great food. She thinks he’s the best thing since sliced bread, or even martinis. Fate gives them a chance at love when they are partners at the same wedding, but can either of them compromise their ambitions to let love grow?

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BUY LINKS:

Amazon USA:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H018XVU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B00H018XVU&link_code=as3&tag=revibycrys-20

Decadent Publishing: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?products_id=874&osCsid=mjir0fnpfn50qccl5hu8odjcp2

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/her-sisters-wedding-jane-ainslie/1117539110?ean=2940148811299

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/383769

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Excerpt:

 “You have a bit of sauce on your mouth.” He reached out with his finger and traced it along her top lip, removing the imaginary sauce. Mandy shuddered as Jake took her face in his hands, turned it towards him, and kissed her. This time, the intensity of the kiss sent every nerve in her body into overdrive as the longing and desire fired throughout her. Jake moved his hand down her back, pulling her closer along the length of his body. She could feel his desire for her pressing against her, and she moaned as his tongue slid between her lips. Reaching up, she grabbed his hair, pulling him closer to her, while the intensity of the kiss stopped time in its tracks, but unfortunately, not the burner on the stove.

“Oh no, the sauce!” Jake broke away as they both turned to look at the saucepan. The sauce had black, burnt bits floating in it.

“That looks like something I would cook.” Mandy leaned against Jake, laughing. He reached over and switched off the burner.

“This is where a sieve and a kitchen out of view of your dining public comes in handy. Where were we?”

“I think you were going to lift me up onto the kitchen bench.” Mandy hopped up onto the bench top. “Then I was going to wrap my arms and legs around you and we were going to…”

Jake didn’t need any further instruction as he pulled Mandy to him once again, this time more gently. His tongue parted her lips, as they slowly, sensually explored each other. Jake’s hand slid to her breast, as she ran her hands down his back.

“This is giving me an appetite, and I’m not just talking about a semi-burnt sauce.”

“Maybe we should pace ourselves a little.” Mandy put her head on his chest. She could hear his heart hammering against his ribs “I’m just a little scared I’m going to end up like the sauce otherwise.”

“What, lumpy?”

“No, burnt around the edges. We are playing with fire.”

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AUTHOR BIO:

Jane Ainslie adores martinis, is a keen but hopeless gardener, and an avid reader of cookbooks. She currently resides in Adelaide, Australia, with her beloved husband and her four unruly pet ferrets. Her blog can be found at www.janeainslie.com and she can be found on Facebook at Jane Ainslie Books.

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Review: 

I had not had the pleasure of reading Jane Ainslie's work before reading Her Sister's Wedding. I have to say I was impressed with how 
quickly she had my attention and I was completely absorbed in the storyline. 

I liked Mandy Evans and the fact that she is pursuing her dream. She wants to study art and what more wonderful place to do that than Paris. She is so thrilled when she receives the OK to attend art school there. I admired her for stepping up to help out her sister, even though there were so many things she would have rather been doing. 

Jake Pearson is a busy man setting up his new restaurant as well as filling the role of best man at his best friends wedding. 

I enjoyed the scene in the book where Mandy & Jake meet. Mandy has no idea who Jake is. This makes for some entertaining comments. However Jake is so taken with Mandy that he finds her comments refreshing. Even though there was an instant attraction neither thought they would meet again. Little do the know that they are both playing major roles in the upcoming wedding. 

The other thing I loved about this book was Mandy's best friend Dario. He is an awesome best friend and is always there when Mandy needs him. 

There is plenty of drama and humorous moments in this book that kept me turning pages. I really enjoyed the storyline and how major life decisions were going to have to be made in order for these two to be together.  This really is a great story of how falling in love can really change lives. 

I was given the opportunity to read this book to share my thoughts with you for this blog tour. As always it has been my pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Her Sister's Wedding.


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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Banished Love by Ramona Flightner ~ Goddess Fish Virtual Book Tour ~ Giveaway

Banished Love

by Ramona Flightner

Ramona Flightner is giving away One randomly chosen commenter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card. Please use the RaffleCopter below to enter the contest. As always, don't forget to visit the other tour stops to increase your chances of winning. You may find those locations here... http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/12/virtual-book-tour-banished-love-by.html



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BLURB:

Free-Spirited…

Clarissa Sullivan dreams for more from life than sipping tepid tea in stifling parlors in Victorian Boston. She defies her family’s wishes, continuing to teach poor immigrant children in Boston’s West End, finding a much-needed purpose to her life.

Radical…

As a suffragette, Clarissa is considered a firebrand radical no man would desire. For why should women want the vote when men have sheltered women from the distasteful aspects of politics and law?

Determined…

When love blossoms between Clarissa and Gabriel McLeod, a struggling cabinetmaker, her family objects. Clarissa’s love and determination will be tested as she faces class prejudices, manipulative family members and social convention in order to live the life she desires with the man she loves.

Will she succeed? Or will she yield to expectations?

BANISHED LOVE follows Clarissa Sullivan on her journey of self-discovery as she learns what she cannot live without.


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EXCERPT:


“Colin, anything in that paper interesting enough to share? You read it like you are hoping to find some long-lost treasure,” Lucas cajoled.

“Hmm…no, nothing uplifting like that song. Just more tales of death and woe around the world. The Boxers are getting more powerful and dangerous.” Colin sighed, setting aside the Boston Evening Transcript.

“And why should we care about a bunch of pugilists?” Mrs. Smythe demanded, her thin face even longer with her disapproval.

I giggled; Lucas snorted before acting as though he were sneezing to hide his amusement, but Colin stared at Mrs. Smythe with frank fascination.

“Do you read the papers, Mrs. Sm…Sullivan? Talk with your friends?” At her cold stare, he continued. “The Boxers are discontented Chinese on the verge of rebellion who are indiscriminately killing Christians in China. Including American Christians,” Colin said helpfully. “I thought it was the topic of conversation these days.” He glanced toward Lucas and me, and we both nodded our agreement.

“A genteel woman,” Mrs. Smythe began, with a sniff in my direction to indicate I must be lacking in that regard, “would not know of such vulgar goings-on halfway around the world with a bunch of savages, my dear Colin. I do read the papers but only the parts that pertain to my world and me. The parts about running a good home, a good kitchen. About decoration.” With this, she waved her hand around the room to indicate its frightful state. “Decorum.” Yet another censorious glare was sent in my direction. “These are the important matters of my life,” she stated with one more sniff, showing her displeasure at the topic.


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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Ramona Flightner is a native of Missoula, Montana. After graduating from Tufts University with a B.A. in Spanish, she earned a Masters degree in Spanish Literature from the University of Montana. Her Master’s thesis, Chilean Testimonial Literature: the collective suffering of a people, highlighted her continued interest in the stories of those who were at risk of being forgotten or silenced.
            
She studied nursing at the University of Pennsylvania and graduated with a Master’s in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has worked for ten years as a family nurse practitioner providing care to the poor and under insured at two community health centers, first in Wilmington, Delaware and now in Boston, Massachusetts.
            
An avid reader, she began writing three years ago. She enjoys the demands of research and relishes the small discoveries that give historical detail to her books.
            
Ramona is an avid flyfisher and hiker who enjoys nothing better than spending a day on a remote Montana river, far from a city. She enjoys research, travel, storytelling, learning about new cultures and discovering new ways of looking at the world. Though she resides in Boston, Massachusetts, Ramona remains a Montanan at heart.
           
 Her dreams are to see the plains of East Africa, marvel at the wonder of Petra in Jordan, soak in the seas of the South Pacific, and to continue to spend as much time as possible with her family.
            
Banished Love is her first novel and is the first in the forthcoming Banished Saga.

AUTHOR WEB PAGE: http://www.ramonaflightner.com

TWITTER:  http://twitter.com/ramonaflightner

FACEBOOK:  http://www.facebook.com/authorramonaflightner

PINTEREST: http://www.pinterest.com/ramonaauthor

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dancing in the White Room by Ute Carbone ~ Bridging the Gap Blog Tour ~ Giveaway

Dancing in the White Room

by Ute Carbone

Giveaway:

Ute is giving away a total of 3 ebook copies, winner’s choice of any of her current books, 

including Dancing in the White Room.

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INTERVIEW:

Crystal: Today I have the pleasure of asking Ute Carbone stop by and answer a few questions. Welcome Ute and I'm so happy to have you here today. 

Would you share a little bit about yourself with us today?

Ute: Hi Crystal. Thanks for having me on your blog today.  About me, let’s see, I live in New Hampshire. I have two grown sons.  As you might guess from Dancing in the White Room’s cover, I  enjoy skiing and hiking, though I don’t do either as much as I’d like anymore. I also love movies and plays. I have an addiction to dark chocolate. And also to books, there’s nothing better than settling in with a cup of mocha and good book. 

Crystal: Where did you come up with the idea for your current release?

Ute: This is an idea that’s been rolling around in my head for a long time. The original kernel came from a book by Jon Krakauer  called “Into Thin Air” which is about an climb on Mt. Everest that went horribly wrong. In the book, he mentions ever so briefly that the people who do these kind of things—climb Everest, defy the odds--  often have trouble in their personal lives. It got me to wondering, what would it be like to be in a relationship with a guy who’s always out doing what some might think is crazy. I know nothing about mountain climbing, but I grew up skiing and so Bell became an extreme skier instead of a mountain climber, although the two do have some cross-over. 

Crystal:  What are you currently working on?

Ute: I have quite a few stories in my WIP file, including another about skiing that centers on racing. I’m hoping to get a couple of the stories finished over the next year or two. Top on the list is at the moment is the next installment of a historical novella series I’m doing. I’m writing it a bit like an HBO series, with one story building on the one before it. The challenge is to make each a stand alone you could read without reading the others. The series is called Anton and Lenora . It’s set in the 1850’s in and around clipper ships. Books one and two are available, book three comes out in April and I’m working hard to finish book four, called Willow, which takes the pair to Shanghai. 

Crystal: Do you have any special routine that you follow when you are writing? 

Ute: I try to write everyday, though I don’t always manage it. And I write all my first drafts long hand in a journal.

Crystal:  Did you have to do a lot of research for this book or any other? If so do you have a fascinating fact that you have learned you would like to share with us?

Ute: The short answer is yes.  I grew up with a small ski area quite literally in my back yard, my folks owned a restaurant at the base of the access road. And later, in college, I was a ski patrol woman for a time. So I knew the basics. But even so, I didn’t know a lot about extreme skiing, which is a world onto itself. It amazed me the kind of challenges these guys would undertake. Skiing down Denali is one of them. 

I used a few facts I discovered in the book. One that struck me was that Wickersham’s Wall—a part of Denali—is so steep that skiing down it almost always causes some sort of avalanche.  

Crystal: Who are some of your favorite authors that you like to read?

Ute: There are a lot of authors I love, too many to name here.  I’ve mentioned Jon Krakauer, who writes, among other things, about climbing and the outdoors. I also love Alice Hoffman and Anita Shreve and Barbara Kingsolver. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, though.

Crystal: Is there any genre you haven't written that you would like to try?

Ute: I would like to try my hand at magical realism at some point—there’s sort of a modern day fairy tale brewing in there somewhere. But it may have to wait, I’ve got a lot else to get to. Writing historical is a new thing for me. It’s challenging, because it takes me out of my comfort zone.

Crystal: Do you have a favorite scene you would like to share with us?

Ute: Hmm, my favorite scene in Dancing in the White Room isn’t a love scene, though I do like those. It’s a scene where Mallory (the main character) is tucking her little girl into bed. Bell (the hero) has left for Denali to ski down the West Rib. It’s a dare-devil feat, and one so dangerous that Mallory thinks it might kill him. She’s angry that he’s gone—she asked him not to do it. But daughter Emily, who adores here father, thinks it’s all pretty wonderful—

Here’s the scene; 

Settled into bed, she asks for a story and I reach for a book. “No, not that one, Mommy,” she says. “I want the story of Daddy and the mountain.”

This stops me for a minute. “I don’t know that one, Em.” I have to bite my lip to keep from crying.

“Yes, you do. Daddy went to the big mountain,” she begins and she relaxes back on her pillow expectantly.

I swallow hard. “Oh, that one,” I say and pick up as best I can. “Daddy went to the big mountain. It’s in a place that’s far away.”

“Alaska,” says Emily.

“That’s right. Alaska. Where it’s always cold and snowy.”

“And there’s people live in snow houses.”

“That’s right. They’re called igloos.”

“Will Daddy live in a igloo?”

“Some of the time. And sometimes in a tent.”

“And what’s the big mountain called?” she asks, though I know she already knows the answer.

“It’s called Denali.” The name is loose and pliable on my tongue. It rolls like pebbles in my mouth.

“And there’s a big wall. Tall as the tallest tallest. And Daddy’s going down down down in the snow.”

She’s got the facts a little confused here, but I’m not up to correcting her. “That’s right, honey,” I say. “Daddy’s going to be the first one to ski down it.”

“Mommy.” Emily’s voice is heavy with sleep. “When I get big I’m going to ski down the big wall too.”

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About the Book: 

Dancing in the white room is slang for skiing or boarding in deep powder snow. The dancer is PD Bell, one of the best extreme skiers on the planet. Mallory Prescott, the woman who lives with him and loves him, is used to Bell’s exploits. A patrol woman at Whiteface Mountain near Lake Placid, New York, Mallory is no stranger to risk. But this time Bell is taking on the West Rib of Denali, highest and most dangerous mountain in North America. It’s a descent that has never been done, though it’s been tried. Five years ago, Bell had tried it. The attempt nearly killed him. Five years ago, he promised Mallory he wouldn’t try it again.

     Over the six weeks in which he’s gone, Mallory begins to question her relationship with Bell. Does he really love her? Is he in it for the duration? What has loving him cost her?  Mallory’s life choices are thrown into stark relief when her daughter Emily takes a terrible fall. Together with her life-long friend Creech Creches, she must work her way through a maze of uncharted territory at a hospital miles from home.

Dancing in the White Room is the story of the love we keep, the price we pay for that love, and the forgiveness it takes to hold on to what is precious.

New from Turquoise Morning Press

Contemporary Women’s Fiction

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Buy links:  

Amazon:   http://www.amazon.com/Dancing-White-Room-Ute-Carbone-ebook/dp/B00IDAHZQ6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393211591&sr=8-1&keyword s=Dancing+in+the+White+Room

B&N:   http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dancing-in-the-white-room-ute-carbone/1118613615?ean=2940148287643

Turquoise Morning Press:    http://www.turquoisemorningpressbookstore.com/products/dancing-in-the-white-room-by-ute-carbone

Kobo Books:    http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/dancing-in-the-white-room

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EXCERPT: 

Settled into bed, she asks for a story. “I want the story of Daddy and the mountain.”

This stops me for a minute. I have to bite my lip to keep from crying. “I don’t know that one, Em.”

“Yes you do. Daddy went to the big mountain,” she begins and she lies back expectantly.

I swallow hard. “Oh, that one,” I say and I pick up as best I can. “Daddy went to the big mountain.”

“And what’s the big mountain called?” she asks, though I know that she already knows the answer.

“It’s called Denali.” The name is loose and pliable on my tongue. It rolls like pebbles in my mouth.

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About the Author:

 

Ute (who pronounces her name Oooh-tah) Carbone is an award winning author of women’s fiction, comedy, and romance. She and her husband live in New Hampshire, where she spends her days walking, eating chocolate and dreaming up stories. 

Books and Stories by Ute Carbone:

Blueberry Truth

The P-Town Queen

Afterglow

Searching for Superman 

Sweet Lenora

The Lilac Hour

To The Wind

For more about Ute and her books, Please Visit:

Web page:  http://www.utecarbone.com/

Blog: http://ute-carbone.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ute-Carbone/234417796596443

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Wildwords2

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